Sheffield turns its back on prejudice in schools

Monday 8 August 2016

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8th August 2016

Sheffield has been singled out for national praise as a result of its work to tackle prejudice and bullying in schools.

Sheffield City Council has for the sixth year running been voted in the top ten of the Stonewall Education Equality Index 2016. The Index measures how well local authorities support schools to celebrate difference and prevent and tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying as well as support LGBT young people in their local community.

In particular the council was praised for its updated toolkit which supports schools to make sure their policies and practices are inclusive of sexual orientation and gender reassignment.

Sheffield has also part-funded two short animated films, which explore same-sex love in South Asian communities in Britain and is working in partnership with the Sheena Amos Youth Trust to directly support LGBT young people to challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

Councillor Jackie Drayton, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve been voted in the top ten of the Stonewall Education Equality Index for the sixth year running.

“We are firmly committed to eradicating prejudice wherever it occurs. We believe that any form of bullying is unacceptable, and no one should face it, for just who they are, especially in our schools.

“By working in partnership, the council and schools, together with voluntary organisations like Stonewall and the Sheen Amos Trust can make a real difference to children and young people’s lives. I was particularly impressed with the two short animated films that explore same sex love in South Asian communities, I’m sure they’ll have a real impact.

“Congratulations and many thanks to everyone involved in developing and delivering these creative projects who, despite facing cuts and day to day pressures, continue to work together to come up with new ways to challenge homophobic bullying in education.”